COLTS NECK, NJ: With its rural character and preserved farm land, not to mention the name of the town… What town is more suitable to hosting a polo match than Colts Neck? September 12, marked the Colts Neck Business Association’s (CNBA) Second Annual Polo Classic. The celebration of community and country was obvious. As guests entered the gravel driveway leading up to Bucks Mill Community Park, they were welcomed with American Flags waving proud, lining both sides of the roadway. See photo below:
It was a grand event with many guests wearing fancy hats and colorful attire. Community members and businesses came together for a fun filled family day of tailgating, while watching a polo match between two hometown favorites: Huddy’s and Delicious Orchards. Huddy’s took home the win with an exciting finish. Huddy’s had pulled ahead but in the last chukkar, Delicious Orchards tied it up but Huddy’s scored 2 goals in the closing minutes to win 14-12!
CNBA President Dino Nicoletta commented to TAPinto, “Today is a wonderful example of community, and that is what Colts Neck is all about. It’s great to have so many of our businesses, celebrating together with our community members, all for the great cause of supporting Colts Neck’s finest; our police, fire, ad first aid. It’s also great to support Colts Neck Trailriders! We are thankful to all of our sponsors and everyone who came out to support this wonderful event!”
Guests brought their own food and beverages to enjoy. There was a tailgating decorating contest as well as the best hat and runner-up. Prohibition Polo won first place for tailgating decorating with Welcome to Our Patch coming in second. First place hat winner was Agnes Duffy and runner-up Dawn Reinhardt.
Photo below is Angnes Duffy, first place winner for hat contest.
CNBA President Dino Nicoletta made the welcome introductions followed by Township Committeewoman and CNBA Board Member Sue Fitzpatrick, who thanked all the sponsors, first responders, and township officials. Colts Neck Community Church Pastor Chris Durkin gave the invocation. The polo players took the field as Major Penzack and the ROTC Color Guard performed the Flag Ceremony, in preparation for the Pledge of Allegiance lead by Captain Edward Callahan. Gregory Penzack sang the National Anthem and VIP event sponsor Carol Stillwell rolled out the ceremonial ball to begin the match.
Former CNBA president, now boardmember Glen Dalakian emceed much of the event, thanking everyone for their continued support of the CNBA and the community, specifically Colts Neck’s first responders and Trailriders.
Upon half-time, there was an interactive demonstration by the Colts Neck Trailriders, followed by the traditional “Stomping of the Divots, where all are invited to come out on the field and stomp the divots back into the ground.
TAPinto spoke with Colts Neck Mayor Michael Viola who commented, “Today, Colts Neck convened for a wonderful and fun event. Today’s fundraising is supporting the Colts Neck equine community and Colts Neck first responders: Police, Fire, and First Aid Squad.”
Presenting sponsor for the event was World Jeep, Joe Wadja. Team Sponsors were Delicious Orchards, the McDonald Family and Huddy’s Inn, Ray Longobardo.
Colts Neck Township Committeewoman and one of the main organizers of the 2021 Polo Classic Sue Fitzpatrick commented to TAPinto, “It was a glorious fall day in Colts Neck for the 2nd CNBA Polo Classic! I am so grateful for all the support from our community and our sponsors for making it a success. I especially loved seeing the children so enthralled with the horses. The Tinicum Park Polo Team and the Colts Neck Trail Riders, who put on a special half-time show, were so attentive to those young spectators. It was a wonderful family event!
Community Sponsors were Manasquan Bank, Mansions Manus, Manus Mullanaphy, Brock Farms, Investors Bank, Heritage House Sothebys International Realty, Holmdel Funeral Home, and NJ Sinus Center.
Patron Sponsors were A. Norton Septic Contracting, Luongo and Associates, CPA, NJ Office Systems.
A great time was had by all!